All the time it seemed as though it was just a dream. June 13 was an important day, the day we got our admission here but July 15 was even more exciting. The days inbetween were rather most confusing in regard to what we have done till now and what we are going to do in the coming future. But the day had come, rather arrived with great hopes and aspirations. It seemed like I had done what no one else could have done 'Got Admission in IIIT-A'. Everywhere I went there was an air of confidence surrounding me. I was soon going to be a part of the IIIT-A family!!!

Well, the first day was amazing. I arrived here in Allahabad and had no clue what to expect. Trees and green surrounded the Railway Station, situated in the centre of the city. It was on the drive to the college that I realized how amazing this city was. The architecture here was amazing and I was very excited to discover the history of the city and its people. Yes, I knew a little bit about Allahabad from readings I did before arriving, but getting to encounter the space proved more imperative to understanding the depths of the history and the meaning of the changes here in the town. The city is rooted in (recent and hitorical) changes that force me to conclude that the complexity in government and history will produce a very interesting and important urban setting. I will write more about this later (as I experience)- but first, know that the program takes place in the outskirts of the city. I mean it’s not the isolation of Sahara desert- but we did walk the distance of a marathon before reaching the campus.

What this living and learning situation does do is slightly distance you from the city (though we took a Auto Vikrant to come here and it costed about Rs. 10 per person) and offers the most amazing view of the surrounding area. With that, you are in a space that is dedicated to your studies yet minutes from the excitement of Allahabad and the history of such a complicated east U.P. city. I've only been here at IIIT as a student for a fortnight now, but it seems longer. It's not that the days have dragged by. Rather it seems so long because I measure time in growth. The friendships I've made feel at least a year old, instead of a fortnight. The close proximity between the members of my 47-strong batch has given us lots of opportunities to grow as a group.

In the weeks before my first day on campus I was excited, yet nervous. I worried that classes would be impossible, or that my roommate and I wouldn't get along. In only a fortnight those fears have been dissolved, mostly. I am here and I will stay here.

My first day on campus was chaotic. I moved into my room, a process that continued through most of the next week. The campus was very busy. Monday was a lot more fun. I met a lot of people, many of whose names I cannot remember, all of whom I'd like to really know. Everything just fitted so very well. Praise be to the Lord for such an incredible ratio of males to females !!!

Our orientation took place in a our Lecture room for the next two semesters, where my first experience of things to come occurred. The cuisine!! was much more unique then I expected. I won’t lie and say I loved every bite- and I definitely felt like a ‘stupid' at moments, but the new experience, for me, was valuable.

Students here are from all over India. North, East , West and South are all represented. Sure, it makes my ability to pronounce names difficult- but I am excited to experience the dynamics within my classes. Even within the first day, I started to have conversations with certain people who I sensed a bond will develop with.

Last night, we ventured out into the city and I was amazed. I can’t wait to see more.

Classes have started. I have 7 subjects this semester. Wish me luck. I plan to be in drama too, and sports. This will be a busy year, but I look forward to it with all my mind and soul.
Well, my first entry is bound to be short because everything is so new! In my next entry I will share how my classes are going and tell you much more about the program.